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CASSELBERRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of February 25, 2019 — Regular Meeting Page 7 of 10 volunteers to assist with maintaining the nursery; and the need for direction from the City Commission whether to proceed with development of an ordinance at this time. The City Commission as a whole was not in favor of any proposed ordinance including a requirement for a certified arborist to make a determination as to whether a tree was diseased, dead or dying in order for a tree removal permit to be issued. Budget Impact: There is no impact to the City Budget. Recommendation: Discussion item only. There is no recommendation at this time. Audience Participation: The following individuals came forward to address this item: Mr. Richard Henderson, 127 Mark David Boulevard, agreed that partnering with citizens on a nursery project was an excellent idea. However, he expressed concern that the City did not have an arborist on staff, stating he felt it would be beneficial for the City to consider adding one or providing training for an existing employee to gain that certification. Mr. John Casselberry, 700 South Lost Lake Lane, stated he did not think a resident should have to have a permit to remove a tree that was dead, dying or no longer thriving, and expressed concerns that some residents may be influenced by tree removal companies to request a permit to remove a tree that may still be healthy. No one else came forward to address this item. MOTION: Vice Mayor Aramendia moved to direct staff to proceed with development of an ordinance requiring all single family and duplex dwellings to obtain a tree removal permit for the removal of trees. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hufford. Discussion: A brief discussion ensued during which the City Commission commended staff on the research done in bringing this item to the Commission for discussion and thanked audience members for their input and suggestions. Topics discussed included: other cities' landscaping and tree requirements; importance of a tree canopy to property values; feasibility of adding a certified arborist to City staff, the fact that requirement of a permit and having stiff penalties for tree removal without a permit does not necessarily provide any safeguard from removal of large healthy trees; possibility of enacting legislation to identify specimen trees which cannot be removed without a permit and providing of a valid reason for removal as a deterrent to removal of healthy large trees; the need for a balance between maintaining property owners' rights and protecting the City's tree canopy; and the need for an educational campaign for residents about the value of trees and what can and cannot be done as far as removing and/or replacing trees. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote 5-0. C. Appointment to the Seminole County Alliance Staff Presentation: City Clerk Donna Gardner stated that appointment of a City representative to the